From 2025, to get Fees Free for the final year of study or training, learners must:

• complete a qualification or a programme that’s eligible for Fees Free, and
• meet the residency criteria at the time they complete, and
• meet the prior study and training criteria, and
• not have already used Fees Free.

For more information, see:

• Qualification and programme eligibility
• Residency criteria
• Prior study and training criteria 

Learner eligibility FAQs

Are there any age requirements for Fees Free?

There are no age requirements or restrictions for final-year Fees Free.

Are learners studying part-time eligible for Fees Free?

Learners eligible for Fees Free can study either part-time or full-time. However, Fees Free will not cover fees for study or training undertaken more than 5 years before the qualification or programme completion date.

Does a learner have to have a student loan to be eligible for Fees Free?

No. A learner with or without a student loan who meets the eligibility criteria will be eligible for final-year Fees Free.

If a learner defers or fails courses during their study, or takes longer than usual to complete a qualification, can they still get Fees Free?

There is no time limit within which a learner must start and complete a qualification or programme to be eligible for Fees Free. However, on completion, Fees Free will only cover the final 1 EFTS / 24 months / $12,000 used within the last 5 years. Fees Free will not cover fees for study or training towards the learner’s final year that was undertaken more than 5 years before completion.